England face South Africa in pool clash

PARIS (Reuters) - Holders England face South Africa on Friday without a recognised flyhalf in the most keenly anticipated match of the World Cup pool stage.

With Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley injured for the Pool A clash, England coach Brian Ashton has said he is likely to hand the number 10 shirt to Mike Catt, who has not played flyhalf for England for eight years.

Helping out will be rugby league convert Andy Farrell and Ashton said both he and Catt would play as inside backs.

South Africa are hot favourites to win and their confidence is high after a great all-round display in a 59-7 pummelling of Samoa on Sunday.

By contrast, the defending champions stumbled to a 28-10 win over the United States in their opening match without even securing the bonus point for scoring at least four tries.

Although both sides are likely to progress from the pool, the reward for topping the group -- most likely by winning this match at the Stade de France -- is a probable route to the final against European sides.

Whoever finishes second in the pool has the prospect of a likely quarter-final against Australia and a semi-final encounter with the All Blacks.

The match kicks off at 8 p.m. British time.